If there is one thing that I love almost as much as breakfast…it’s soup. I am a soup junkie. I will eat soup at any time of the year…even in the summer. I think it can be the most perfect meal. And, when made right, it can be quite good for you too.
I bought some white miso paste a few weeks ago to use in an eggplant recipe and had quite a bit still left over in the fridge. I was interested in what I might be able to make with it…and that’s when Food & Wine Magazine sent through one of their recipe e-mails, and this one was timely, indeed.
This Tomato-Miso Soup both light and hearty…and definitely healthy. It became one of my favorite lunches I have brought to work thus far. And it’s made from real ingredients…which makes it even better. The flavor is earthy and sweet…bringing this fantastic balance. And the star…the shiitake mushrooms.
1 teaspoon soy sauce (I used reduced sodium tamari)
3/4 pound soft tofu, cut into 1-inch dice
3 large scallions, thinly sliced
6 small to medium radishes, thinly sliced
Directions:
Heat the oil in a large saucepan.
Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Cover and cook over low heat, stirring a few times, until the mushrooms are tender, about 6 minutes.
Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Pour in the water, stir well and bring to a boil.
Add the tomatoes, cover and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
Whisk in the miso and soy sauce and return to a simmer.
Add the tofu and simmer for 2 minutes.
Ladle into bowls, garnish with the scallions and radishes and serve.
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I loved everything there was about this soup. There were so many textures, and this bold flavor, thanks to the miso. The radishes and scallions added before eating brought a bit of crunch, while the mushrooms gave this soup a meatiness to it, without any actual meat. I can’t wait to make this one again. If you have a great love of soup and rich flavors without simmering it all day…this is the soup for you.
Who says stuffing is just for Thanksgiving? Where is that written? Growing up, I was one of the only people in my family who wanted to have stuffing. My dad wasn’t a fan, so my mom never made it. Everything I needed to know about stuffing, I tasted at my friend’s homes. It was a rare occasion that my mom would make it…and as we never had turkey on Thanksgiving, but enjoyed a delicious shrimp creole instead…well…this was more of a Christmas thing.
When I went gluten-free…stuffing was off the menu regardless…unless I made it myself. In fact, one of the first gluten-free recipes I posted was a Gluten Free Hazelnut Sage Stuffing, which I made with Rudi’s Gluten Free Bread. That was back in 2011…and I’ve made that recipe quite a few times since then. It’s delicious and easy and amazing.
But sometimes, you just don’t want to do all the work yourself. These days, my free time is less and less. I’m recovering from a torn hip labrum, getting back to running, doing all my stretches for physical therapy and trying to maintain only a slight bit of pain when I move, and everything else like work, preparing meals/snacks for work, and maintaining my training/workout schedule. It just isn’t always feasible to pull out a recipe and whip something up.
Well, two weeks ago, I was in Columbus, Ohio, visiting my friend Jenn. And as I was packing up to head home, she handed me a box of Glutino’s Gluten Free Corn Bread Stuffing. As it was due to expire within the month, I decided I would make this for lunches this week for both the roomie and myself. And, that Sunday evening, I did just that…
I had everything else needed to make the recipe that was supplied on the box in my fridge, ironically enough. I guess I just know what’s good to have on hand, HAHA! Actually, it was just luck that I didn’t have to pick up anything else to make this. All I needed was butter (I used Earth Balance), eggs, vegetable broth, celery, and onion. That was it. I followed the instructions on the box, pulling open the silver package that contained the corn bread stuffing portion of the product, loving the little, crispy, yellow corn bread croutons that spilled out and into the bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Giving it a good stir, it was prepared and ready to cook.
This stuffing smells amazing as it cooks. I think I was drooling a little every time I walked by the oven. I mean, SO good. And when it was finally done, I pulled the dish from the oven, loving how golden the top had become during the cooking process. I dished it out into 6 Pyrex dishes, tasting a little at the end…and…oh yeah…this was going to be good.
I was wrong, though. This stuffing wasn’t good. It was FANTASTIC!!! Seriously, it was love at first taste. And I was really, really anticipating lunch for the three days that my roomie and I had this in our refrigerator. Seriously…I was sad when we devoured the last servings of it. The cornbread croutons soak in all that amazing flavor from the eggs, sauteed veggies, and the vegetable broth. It doesn’t get mushy though. Not at all. As it bakes, all that flavor bakes inside, making this rich, savory, and addictive stuffing that it’s hard to stop eating. And that top layer gets this nice golden brown, which brings that bit of crunchy texture when you dig into it. My mouth waters just thinking about it again. In fact, I want to see if any of my natural food stores have this on hand. I’m sort of concerned it’s a seasonal product…but I have every intention of stocking up!
So, let’s take a look at what all goes into a box of the Glutino Gluten Free Corn Bread Stuffing, shall we? This product is made up of corn starch, tapioca starch, vegetable oil (contains one or more of the following: sunflower oil, canola oil, safflower oil), seasoning (salt, yeast extract, sugar, maltodextrin, dextrose, spices, onion powder, garlic powder, dehydrated parsley, expeller pressed canola oil, spice extractive, silicon dioxide), sugar, egg whites, salt, guar gum, glucono-delta-lactone, yeast, pectin, sodium bicarbonate, sodium alginate, modified cellulose, iron, niacin, tricalcium phosphate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, and riboflavin.
The Glutino Gluten Free Corn Bread Stuffing mix isn’t a nutritional bomb either. So, it’s not clean eating for sure…but the nutritional facts aren’t so bad. A serving size of this product is 1/2 cup prepared and there are 8 servings per box. This serving will provide you with 120 calories, 4.5 grams fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 470 mg cholesterol, 20 grams carbohydrates, less than 1 gram fiber, 1 gram sugars, and less than 1 gram protein. The lack of fiber and protein would make you believe that it wouldn’t fill you up if eating it as a meal instead of a side, but that wasn’t the case at all for me. I found it filling and amazing.
So…if you want to make this too, here is the recipe I used, which is straight off the back of the box itself:
In a heated skillet add the 2 Tbsp of unsalted butter and sautée onions and celery until translucent. Let the vegetables cool.
In a mixing bowl empty package of stuffing mix. Add cooled sautéed onions and celery, eggs, and vegetable broth. Let stand one minute.
Stir until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Place in greased baking pan and pack down.
Cover with foil, bake for approximately 25 minutes. Uncover and finish cooking for an additional 8 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F.
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This was one of the first corn bread stuffings I have had. And it brought back all those happy memories of the Stove Top Stuffing days of my childhood. I was beyond impressed. So, if you’re a glutton for stuffing, I highly recommend picking up a box of Glutino’s Gluten Free Corn Bread Stuffing. Even your gluten-eating friends would never guess this was gluten-free. It is that delicious!! ENJOY!
Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread
Product: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread – $5.99+
Sometimes a product you never thought about trying serves you up a good reason to keep getting it. And if anything, that is exactly the experience I had with the new line of Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads from Food For Life. In particular, the gluten free Almond Bread has really struck a chord with me.
I can’t explain it.
It wasn’t too long ago that I was introduced to a couple of new breads on the market. While the brand name has been producing gluten-free breads for awhile now, it wasn’t a brand that I actively sought out. Yes, I saw it all the time in the freezer section of Whole Foods and other natural food stores, but I had grown accustomed to snagging Rudi’s or Udi’s or (now) the Aldi liveGfree brand or Canyon Bakehouse. Food For Life was there…I just always overlooked it.
And why?
Who knows? As an active (even now, with an on-the-mend injury) athlete, it’s important to properly fuel my body and eat wholesome foods. Most products on the market for the gluten-free diet happen to be junk food. It drives me nuts. I hit that gluten-free section of a store and I can find a vast array of cookies, crackers, chips, pretzels, and the like. It is one of the biggest pet peeves of the grocery store. Yes, a lot of people with Celiac and gluten intolerance do miss out on some of the finer treats like Oreos and the like, but the shelves are literally overrun with products that aren’t going to feed your body right and healthy.
But Food For Life set out to change that. Through a lot of research and development, Food For Life released the first ever gluten free breads made from sprouted grains, such as quinoa, millet and chia. A majority of gluten-free breads, while satisfying the “gluten free” bread requirement, don’t address the overall health needs of consumers. Without the gluten to give bread the soft, elasticity of regular breads, most manufacturers choose alternative ingredients that mimic the feel of gluten, using egg, milk, and refined starches in order to achieve a softer and chewier texture. But these breads are created from ingredients that you wouldn’t expect to find in natural breads, many of which are devoid of nutrients.
Food For Life stepped up and decided to start a line with four varieties of completely gluten-free breads that were specifically created with the health of consumers in mind. Not only are they gluten free, but they are also vegan and made from nutrition packed ingredients that have been sprouted to maximize nutrition and digestibility.
I was fortunate enough to be sent one loaf of each of the Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads from Food For Life. These loaves come in Original 3 Seed, Almond, Cinnamon Raisin, and Flax.
This past week, I decided to reach into the freezer and pull out the loaf of the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread. Why? Because I was about to make something sweet and savory, and somehow the thought of bread with a hint of almond flavoring just sounded like it would pair well. I mean, do I really need a reason? You see, I was serving this up as a side dish to my Mexican Corn Dip. I had vegan Kite Hill Ricotta Cheese in my fridge and a jar of fig preserves from Charleston, South Carolina. It was an odd side to have with the corn dip, but it actually worked out really well.
I simply preheated the oven and placed two slices of the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread on the baking sheet. Into the oven it went to get a nice toast on it. When it was perfectly toasted, I removed the slices from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, each slice got a schmear of the Kite Hill Vegan Ricotta and then a dollop of the Charleston fig jam. I plated each slice with the corn salsa and dinner was strange…but served.
One bite, and I knew I was in love with this bread. For real! The Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread had the most amazing flavor that I have tasted in bread in a long time. I was blown away with the slight hint of sweetness, making it the ideal vehicle for this spread of ricotta and jam that I topped it off. It was heaven. But this bread doesn’t have to be limited strictly to sweet spreads. In fact, this morning I slathered two slices of it with mashed avocado and it was divine. Honestly, the pairing of the sweet, nutty almonds makes this bread beyond amazing. It makes it a nutritious powerhouse too. The slight nutty flavor compliments anything that you could think to top it off with. I have been impressed each time I have used this bread out of my freezer. And, yes…it was delicious as a grilled cheese sandwich as well. In fact, the nutty flavor with the vegan cheese that I put in my sandwich meshed so well. Delicious any way you slice or slather it. It’s fantastic.
Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread is made with organic almonds for extra flavor, nutrition and to help aid in blood glucose regulation. This bread is specifically developed to help keep you on the go and perform at your best. When you toast it…that rich nutty flavor is released and it is awesome.
So, what all goes into the making of Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread? Well, it’s simple. It really is. This bread is made from organic sprouted quinoa (red and/or white), filtered water, organic arrowroot, organic potato starch, organic sprouted millet, organic tapioca, organic applesauce, fresh yeast, organic almond meal, organic safflower oil, organic cactus, organic sprouted chia seeds, organic agave, organic vanilla, sea salt, vegetable gum (xanthan, cellulose), and organic psyllium. Made with sprouted chia, sprouted quinoa, and sprouted millet, this bread is a trio of health. Not only is it made with sprouted grains (which are SO good for you!), it is also vegan, gluten-free, and high in fiber. It is so rare for a gluten free bread to be high in fiber. This is a welcome addition to my freezer.
So let’s discuss the nutritional information for the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread. Since passing my final exam in personal nutrition for the nutrition course I was taking and moving on to the advanced nutrition,my nutrition course, I have learned that there is more to counting calories. Sure, it is important, but it shouldn’t be the focus. It’s all about the nutritional aspects of the food. Avocados are high in fat and calories…but SO much better for you than that chocolate bar with the same amount of fat and calories. See what I mean? A serving size is one (1) slice. In this serving, you will be provided with 110 calories, 3 grams of fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 110 mg sodium, 19 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 1 gram sugars, and 2 grams of protein. I was freaked out at first with the high calories per slice, but, again, not all calories are created equal and there is nothing fake going into this bread. It’s all healthy, all good, all nutritious. Making this a fantastic choice.
I used to turn my nose up at the Food For Life breads due to the high calories, but I have learned a lot about nutrition since then, and it turns out this is one of the best, nutrition-wise, gluten free breads on the market. If you love a hint of nutty sweetness in your bread, I highly, highly recommend the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread. It was truly love at first bite. A bit of a surprise, but this is, by far, one of my favorite gluten-free breads I have ever tasted. I was very fortunate to be sent these loaves. I spotted them in Whole Foods the other day. I’m going to be well stocked for the future.
Vegan Ricotta and Charleston Fig Jam on top of toasted slices of Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Almond Bread
Color me charmed. For real. A couple of weeks ago, I took a chance and tried a new product I discovered (exclusively) at my local Whole Foods. In fact, all of the products from this particular brand are only available at Whole Foods…currently. They are a little pricey, but as I’ve been discovering…they are totally worth it.
Kite Hill was started due to a vision for a plant-based food that would have all the qualities we love in the best artisan dairy cheeses. Using simple ingredients and using traditional methods, Kite Hill has created artisan cheeses, yogurts, and cream cheeses that can all be incorporated into entrées and desserts. Created by a dedicated team with deep culinary, cheese-making, and scientific expertise, including Tal Ronnen, Monte Casino, Jean Prevot, Pat Brown, and Matthew Sade, Kite Hill has stepped up to the challenge to create a non-dairy cheese that met their high standards for quality. So often, vegan cheese tastes fake or plastic-like. After years of recipe testing and countless trials and errors to develop the perfect nut milk, cultures, and enzymes needed to create a worthy product, Kite Hill emerged on the market place.
Kite Hill Ricotta
You will recall that I have already given a raving review for the Kite Hill Plain Cream Cheese Style Spread. Well, I had pasta on my mind this past week. Really. And I had gluten free lasagna noodles in my pantry. And ramekin dishes in my cupboard. See where this is headed? Yep…individual mini lasagnas…all made possible by the introduction of Kite Hill’s Ricotta – which is completely soy free, vegan, gluten free and dairy free.
Let me tell you, I was beyond blown away by this product. It surprised me. It really, really did. The Kite Hill Ricotta is light and fluffy right off the bat. It looked just like real ricotta…the stuff I am incapable of consuming anymore. Damn lactose intolerance. But let me say this, if Kite Hill continues to produce their version of ricotta cheese, then I will never miss it again. I know that tofu can be substituted in pasta dishes for ricotta…as can Tofutti’s Better Than Ricotta…and I have actually used both in successful recipes. But…it wasn’t the same. The texture was different. The flavor was different.
Not with Kite Hill. My roommate and I both tried some of the Kite Hill Ricotta on its own before I blended it with some herbs for the actual meal. Oh. My. God. I probably could have eaten the entire tub on my own, with just a spoon. There is that much amazing flavor in this cheese. The texture is light, but with a bit of heft to it. So, it mimics that of real ricotta. Oh…this was already looking good for my mini lasagnas. I just had to keep myself from eating all the cheese out of the container and to use it, instead, in the actual recipe.
No easy task.
But I did end up blending it with my herbs and some Daiya Mozzerella Shreds to complete the cheesy filling of the lasagna, which would also include sautéed onion and kale with some garlic. YUMMY!! The noodles were cooked, cooled, and put into the dishes. The ricotta & cheese filling was added, and layered with the vegetables…and of course an amazing sauce from Rao to top it all off. Into the oven for 40 minutes and…viola…we’re in business! The mini-lasagnas came out of the oven bubbling hot with cheese and sauce and a whole lot of goodness. I eased them out of the ramekins and dinner was served.
Oh. My. God. This was the best ricotta cheese substitute I have tried yet. Not only was this flavorful, mimicing both ricotta and/or mascarpone cheese, but it didn’t make the dish heavy at all. The ricotta has a slight tanginess to it, making it a nice addition not just to pastas, but also to desserts. This product is ridiculously tasty. I want to make ricotta pancakes now. And I think I might just do that…maybe tomorrow. We’ll see. I have some left over to do just that. And I have all these fresh local blueberries to use as well. Oh yes…I sense an epic gluten-free and dairy free pancake breakfast. It’s the best ricotta substitute I have ever stumbled upon. It’s made from almond milk, so if you have a nut allergy, it’s not for you, but it’s nice to have a soy-free alternative.
So, now let’s talk about the ingredients. Nothing beats real, wholesome ingredients. What’s even better, the Kite Hill Ricotta only has 5 ingredients in it. Yep. Just five! These include: almond milk (water, almonds), salt, enzyme, tartaric acid, and cultures. This product, as mentioned before, is gluten-free, soy free, dairy free and vegan. It also contains no cholesterol, no saturated fat, and no trans fats!
And with that in mind, this is the best time to discuss Kite Hill Roctta nutritional facts, yes? A serving of the Kite Hill Ricotta is 1 ounce (28 grams…or about 2 tablespoons). This serving will provide you with 70 calories, 6 grams of fat, 0 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 90 mg sodium, 2 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams dietary fiber, 0 grams sugars, and 3 grams of protein. Are you loving it? I’m loving it!
Seriously, you won’t find anything better than Kite Hill Ricotta. It’s so versatile. Pastas, pizza toppings, desserts, or even in hot chocolate, this will do it all. And the taste, oh my God, the taste is fantastic. I am hooked. I’ll pay the price to have a good tasting, good quality product. And Kite Hill totally makes it worth it. If you live near a Whole Foods, I encourage you and highly recommend that you check out the Kite Hill lineup of vegan artisan cheese.
Mini Vegan Kale Lasagna (made with Kite Hill Ricotta)
Zero Cuisine Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash
Product: Zero Cuisine Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash – $9.90+/-
Sometimes trying to find balance in your diet isn’t easy. There are some days my macro and micro nutrients are so out of whack that I have a hard time seeing where things went awry. That being said…I am always looking for new and inventive ways to have a food that I love, minus the guilt and the excess.
Enter Cuisine Cube! For those of you just tuning in, I have been a firm supporter and happy subscriber of Cuisine Cube for awhile now. But, Cuisine Cube has gone through some changes as of May. No longer do they strictly only offer gluten-free cubes. In addition to their gluten-free option, they now also offer Artisan and Vegan cubes as well. The Artisan cube means that you have no food allergies and foods that contain common food allergens will be included. The Vegan cubes contain products that are dairy and animal free. And, they still have the Gluten Free cubes, which will have products that contain no gluten or wheat. These box subscriptions start at $34.99/month. And, part of the charm is that you will receive 5-6 full-size (not sample size) products. WOOT! These usually fall into every meal category for the day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and dessert…with an added bonus from time-to-time. So, if you’re really interested in being introduced to the smaller, lesser-known, artisan companies, give Cuisine Cube a try!
So, when my February 2015 (Happy V-Day) Cuisine Cube arrived, I was happy, excited, elated, and over-the-moon happy to find an easy-to-prepare (not that the real thing is difficult, but this was certainly less time consuming) Cauliflower Mash from Zero Cuisine. Now, I have heard and even made cauliflower mash before, but this was the first time I ever saw it come in packaged form. I was beyond intrigued. And yet, the perfect moment to use it never quite arrived…until just recently when I spotted a recipe for Portobella Mushroom Steaks. What goes best with a steak (of sorts) than potatoes. So, why not replace the mashed potatoes with something a bit healthier and lower in calories and carbohydrates? It was ideal.
Zero Cuisine Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash in powdered form
Zero Cuisine brings you a leaner, better-looking cousin of the traditional mashed potato. Their Cauliflower Mash, available in two flavors – Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt and Wasabi & Chives – is a low carb, low calorie, low GI, gluten-free, preservative-free, high fiber, high in vitamins, all natural product that can easily replace your favorite starchy carbs with low carb vegetables which just about every diet recommends. From the Ketogenic, Atkins, Paleo, diabetic diets…reducing carbohydrate intake is highly touted. Zero Cuisine…just makes it easier for you to enjoy a substitute for starchy carbs without any guilt or any cravings for the carb-laden real thing. Cuisine Cube included the Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt version in the February cube.
But, how good can a powdered form of cauliflower mash be? Well…just as good, but healthier for you, than those powdered potato flakes that turn into mashed potatoes. Honestly. I had my doubts upon opening up this little package, but it was so quick, easy, and really tasty when all was said and done.
Let’s face it…it doesn’t get any easier than this…
In a saucepan, heat up water (4 ounces per serving, so if you make the entire thing like I did…2 cups of water) and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and add 1/3 cup of the Cauliflower Mash powder (or…if you make the entire pouch instead of one serving…just pour the entire package) into the hot water. Stir continuously until desired consistency is achieved, which for me was in less than 3 minutes. Might have only taken a minute. For extra creamy flavor, add butter and milk if your diet allows.
I didn’t add butter or milk, but I did get a beautiful, rich, thick cauliflower mash when all was said and done. It was like really creamy mashed potatoes. Great consistency. Of course, the biggest test comes with the taste.
Zero Cuisine Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash (prepared)
Zero Cuisine does a phenomenal job of capturing the texture of mashed potatoes with their Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash. I was actually quite impressed as I watched the powder turn into this gorgeous swirl of thick mash. And, with only a lack of a bit of seasoning, the flavors really stood out too. The garlic and herbs don’t overpower the cauliflower itself. It just would have been a bit bland if not for the seasoned portobello mushroom steak I was serving, which came with a sauce that I drizzled over the entire dish. It was an amazing addition to the meal and took a lot of prep time out of the occasion. It’s always best to make things yourself, but this is a healthy and very easy alternative when time restrictions play a huge part in your life.
Let’s talk about ingredients, shall we? The Zero Cuisine Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash is made up of dried cauliflower, garlic and spices, sea salt, and guar gum. It is naturally gluten-free, trans fat free, free of saturated fat, and cholesterol free. Gotta love it. Also, every pack of this cauliflower mash is made from approximately 2.6 pounds of fresh cauliflower and every serving of Zero Cuisine Cauliflower Mash contains 1-1/2 servings of vegetables.
As far as nutrition information goes…you’re going to love this even more. A serving size is 1/3 cup package or 2/3 cup prepared. There are 4 servings per container. In one serving, you will be consuming 60 calories, 0.5 grams fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 270 mg sodium, 15 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, 10 grams sugars, and 3 grams protein. This is spectacular given that a regular serving of mashed potatoes would provide 160 calories, 24 grams carbs, 6 grams of fat, 2 grams of fiber, and 445 mg sodium HUGE difference. Feel good about your food. Eat something that is better for you and your body in the long run.
I need to find out where I can find this in my area, because Zero Cuisine made prep and cooking so easy. Especially on hectic nights, this is something that is worth having in the pantry. Loved the flavors and the texture of the Zero Cuisine Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash. And it was because of Cuisine Cube, that I now know it exists. Happiness comes in all sorts of packages!
Portobello Steak over Zero Cuisine Garlic, Herbs & Sea Salt Cauliflower Mash
Field Roast Original Grain Meat Co Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese Slices
Product: Field Roast Original Grain Meat Co. Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese Slices – $4.99+
I had another “ah-ha!” moment in Whole Foods a few weeks ago. While perusing the vegan cheeses and trying to convince myself not to just settle on another inadequate sliced vegan cheese that just stays a hard lump of…whatever vegan stuff it is made out of…I decided that the next time I needed cheese for my infamous grilled cheese sammies, I was going to get something new. Try something different. Maybe get better results instead of toasted bread with a warm slice of cheese that didn’t melt stuck in the middle.
One could hope.
Here is where not being able to tolerate much dairy is a downfall. Vegan cheese…it just doesn’t melt like the real stuff. But if I eat the real stuff, my stomach hates me for hours and hours. So, I do what is best for me. I get the cheese that doesn’t get creamy and gooey and stretchy when I pull my cheese slices apart. You know, for the sake of my health…it’s the sacrifice I have made.
But it doesn’t mean I’m not disappointed.
So, while I had spotted some new vegan cheese slices at Whole Foods one weekend while grocery shopping, these made by the Field Roast Original Grain meat Co., I was hesitant to take the leap and to actually purchase them. So…I stared longingly at them for the next few weeks until…my roommate surprised me by buying them for me. With them now in my clutches…and safely in my fridge, it was time to bust out some soup and sandwiches for sure! And this past Sunday was the perfect day to do just that.
After a long day on Saturday of hitting up the Farmer’s Market and getting absolutely soaked…before seeing Jurassic World for the second time (we wanted to see Inside Out, but it was sold out) and then hitting up our local professional soccer team match (we are season ticket holders), Sunday was a pretty easy day. Hit the gym in the morning, saw Inside Out, finished grocery shopping, did some meal prep for the week, remembered I was heading out of town in the middle of the week, then cooked up a quick soup and made my infamous grilled cheese sandwich (or…as I call it…toasted cheese!) to go with it.
My roomie had picked up the Field Roast Original Grain Meat Co. Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese Slices at Whole Foods as my surprise. She knows I love a bit of spice in everything I eat. So, she chose wisely, for sure! These slices of cheese are a rich and deep orange with speckles of green and red throughout it. They looked amazing and actually felt like the real cheese slices that go atop her grilled cheese sandwich. I used my Earth Balance spread and buttered up each slice of bread before placing it on the griddle and topping each slice with a piece of cheese, real for her, and one of the Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese Slices for me. The other slice of bread topped off the sandwich and I was toasting away to a perfect golden brown.
At the start of the grilling process, I noticed that, like with every vegan cheese I have put on a sandwich, the edges weren’t melting. “Here we go, another warmed through slice of cheese that doesn’t really melt.” I was actually feeling let down…betrayed once again by the non-dairy options that are left to people like me. I flipped the sandwiches over, watching the real cheese melt to a perfect stretchy-gooeyness in my roommate’s sandwich. I placed the soup in bowls and got out plates for the sandwiches. I got my roommate’s done first, slicing it in half and carrying her dinner over to her to start feasting on while we polished off another episode of Friends. I went to retrieve mine, slicing it into little triangles and realizing, that despite those corners, the inside was melted. It was warm and melty-gooey. Almost stretchy gooey, but not there. But melty-gooey was a definite improvement.
But the true test would come with the taste. So many vegan cheeses taste like…plastic. Or in the case of Daiya…it tastes like Daiya, which isn’t a bad thing, it just is very distinctive. I have to say, I was surprised when I took my first bite of my toasted cheese that was stuffed with a slice of the Field Roast Original Gran Meat Co. Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese. I mean, honestly surprised. No plastic flavor. No fake taste at all. Just a creamy, rich, smooth melted bit of cheese. Forget the unmelted corners of the cheese, the inside of the sandwich is really what counts, and what I found was a delicious, melted center. Something I hadn’t experienced since giving up dairy. The cheese itself was rich in flavor. I could taste the subtle tomato flavor with the hit of spicy cayenne. The green flecks…those are dried bell peppers…and they add a nice touch of sweetness to this cheese as well. I was completely, 100% in love with this cheese. I forgot what melted cheese in a sandwich was like. Now…I was in complete melted cheese heaven…with a flavor kick to boot. One that I could actually taste (Go Veggie Slices, I’m looking at you!)…one that actually tasted real. You don’t know true bliss until you get a vegan grilled cheese that has melted cheese inside. Truly.
Field Roast’s Chao cheese slices are the newest memeber of their vegan food lineup. This cheese is made from a coconut cheese alternative and seasned with a traditionally fermented soybean cured called Chao by the Vietnamese. Hence…the name. As Field Roast loves blending Asian and European heritages, the cheese is a perfect fit.
So what is the Field Roast Original Grain Meat Co. Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese Slices made from? Good question. I’m going to tell you. These slices of cheesy goodness are produced with filtered water, coconut oil, modified corn and potato starch, tomato juice, potato starch, fermented chao tofu (soybeans, water, salt, sesame oil, calcium sulfate), sea salt, green and red dried bell peppers, cayenne pepper, natural flavor, olive extract (antioxidant used as a preservative), paprika extract and beta carotene. These slices are free vegan, non-GMO, dairy-free, gluten free, cholesterol free, and free of trans-fats.
As for nutrition, I loved these stats. A serving size is one slice and there are 10 slices per package. One slice will serve up 60 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, 4 grams saturated fat (remember…coconut based), 180 mg sodium, 4 carbohydrates, no fiber, no sugars, and no protein. So, not filling…but tasty!!
Definitely going to have to try more of the Field Roast Grain Meat Co Chao Vegan Cheese Slices in the future. These cheese alternatives come in three flavors: Tomato Cayenne, Creamy Original, and Coconut Herb. Yes…I really want to try them all! What a great find!
Gluten Free & Vegan Grilled Cheese Sandwich using Field Roast Original Grain Meat Co. Chao Tomato Cayenne Vegan Cheese Slices
Okay, yes…your eyes do not deceive you. That does say carrot hot dogs. As in…carrots…that are made to taste and have the texture of hot dogs.
I know what you’re thinking, because I thought it too. You’re telling yourself that there is no way that this is humanly possible. But…I beg to differ. Only because I have since made this meal myself.
My roommate loves a good hot dog. When we go to our professional soccer team matches, that’s her dinner at the ballpark. A hot dog. She can’t get enough of them. And, back when I still ate meat, it was a simple and inexpensive meal (although we shelled out for the Hebrew National brand) to make for the two of us. I moved on to Tofu Pups when I went vegetarian…but had a serious lack in hot dog-like foods since I went gluten free.
Until now!
This recipe was originally posted by the Clean Eating Veggie Girl, which I then adjusted to fit my dietary restrictions. I am still in shock that this actually worked.
Recipe: Gluten Free Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs
Gluten Free Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs
Servings: 2 Time: Prep 24 hours; Cook 20 minutes
Ingredients:
2 large carrots, peeled, with the ends cut off (I cut mine to the size of the hot dog bun)
1/4 cup Bragg’s Liquid Aminos (I used San-J Reduced Sodium Tamari)
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
dash liquid smoke
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried ginger
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon granulated onion powder
olive oil cooking spray (I used coconut oil cooking spray)
2 gluten free hot dog buns (I used Udi’s Gluten Free)
desired hot dog toppings
Directions:
Boil carrots for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, or until fork tender but not mushy. After removing the carrots from the boiling water, run them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
While the carrots are cooking, whisk together the Tamari (or Liquid Aminos if that is what you are using), water, vinegars, sesame oil, liquid smoke, garlic, and seasonings.
Combine the carrots and the marinade in a zipper gallon-size bag, or in an air-tight container. Shake gently until the carrots are coated with the marinade. Place the carrots in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
To cook the carrots, spray a medium skillet with olive oil cooking spray. Turn the heat to medium and place the carrots and about 1/2 cup of the marinade into the skillet. Heat the carrots for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until warm. The carrots get a nice crispy and seasoned coating on them from the marinade. This also helps give the “hot dogs” a more brown/tan color than their original orange color.
Serve your carrot “hot dogs” in a bun and top them with your favorite hot dog toppings.
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Really surprised that this worked. The taste is fantastic, thanks to that liquid smoke and the time the carrots spend marinading. The texture is perfect. It isn’t crunchy it all, but it’s not mushy. Trust me…it’s perfect. I served mine up with red onion, ketchup and mustard, but you can top these amazing carrot hot dogs off with any of your favorite things. Or, make them into chili dogs.
It may sound weird…but it works. And, they are fantastic!
I was watching a British cooking show a few years ago and absolutely began to salivate over the dish that was being prepared. A simple European breakfast of Mushrooms on Toast. With my food allergies and dietary restrictions, I, naturally had to adjust the original recipe, but it quickly became a favorite here in my apartment. I started making this about five years ago, and then forgot all about it…until I got fresh crimini mushrooms in my CSA bin.
4 slices gluten free bread, toasted (I used Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread)
Directions:
Heat butter and oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat until sizzling. Add onion and mushrooms. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic. Cook for 1 minute or until aromatic.
Add rice milk and water. Stir until heated through. Sprinkle with thyme. Serve on hot buttered gluten-free toast.
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After digging into this amazing dish (if you do gluten-free, I highly recommend the gluten-free Food For Life Sprouted For Life breads for this recipe), I remembered why I loved it so much all those years ago. The mushrooms were tender and enriched with the garlic and freshy thyme. I topped mine off with a poached egg, which, when paired with the sauced mushrooms was the perfect addition to the meal, although on its own, this would still be delicious.
If you are a fan of mushrooms, I highly recommend this recipe!
Evol Foods Gluten Free Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Goat Cheese Street Tacos
Product: Evol Foods Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Goat Cheese Street Tacos – $3.99+
There are very few products out on the market these days that fill me with excitement and pure elation when I see them on the shelf for the first time. I know that might be hard to believe…but it’s true. Honestly. It’s true. Granted, there are some things that make me happy and truly excited when I find them…enough to run, flailing, up and down the aisles at the local Whole Foods or grocery store…but it’s not an everyday or even an every week occurrence.
That being said, one of my favorite foods in the world is…tacos. “Why tacos?” you might be wondering. Well…the reason I have a taco obsession (and have had weeks where all I cook are different varieties of vegetarian tacos…and call it Tour de Taco) is that you can literally put just about anything into a taco. For real! And it can be delicious. My favorite creation, by far, has been my veggie burger and fries taco. Yep…unhealthy but…OMG…yummy!
So, yeah, I was really, really excited to be shopping the frozen food aisles at my local Target one afternoon and spotting the orange and white box from Evol Foods for their new line of street tacos. Currently Evol Foods offers three gluten-free varieties with only one being vegetarian. So, hell yes, it came home with me and took up residence in my freezer. And, for some reason, I was unprepared for my lunches this past week…don’t know why. The never happens. But it did. So, on Friday, as I was intending on Indian food that night to celebrate my roomie (Cathy) heading out to audition for Jeopardy…this made the perfect lunch for us to share. I thought.
So Evol Foods mission is “to inspire people to care about where food comes from and how it is produced by making real food that tastes delicious. Love what you eat.”
Simple. Basic. And, as someone who has tried a couple of Evol Foods gluten-free and vegetarian products before, was pretty confident that the latest products to hit the market, the Evol Foods Street Tacos, would live up to not only their mission, but the high bar they set with the quality of their previous products.
Evol Foods Gluten Free Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Goat Cheese Street Tacos (frozen, out of the box)
That being said, the first thing I noticed when I removed the tray containing the two (2) street tacos that are in each package were just how small these were. I mean…SMALL! Maybe 4-5 bites each small. Given the size of the packaging and the picture on the box, I don’t know, I just expected…more.
Ah well…I was fortunate enough to have planned ahead, bringing the rest of the Good Boy Organics Organicasaurus Tangy Tomato Puffs (previously blogged on) with me for my roomie and I to split as we had intended to split the street tacos to keep lunch lighter in preparation for a bit of a bigger dinner. So…size…it does matter when you see a product with 220 calories and figure…well…a regular size (6-inch) soft corn tortilla has 40 calories in each tortilla. What I got were two very tiny tacos with doubled up corn tortillas that were about the size of the palm of my hand. I was shocked.
It came with frozen pouch containing a somewhat mild-spicy salsa verde, so before I even worked on the tacos, I brought some water to a boil and set the pouch into that to thaw while I warmed up the teeny-tiny tacos for 2 minutes on the tray. They then sat for 1 minute more…until they were considered ready to consume.
Let me start by saying this…the taco stuffing looked like…a hairball a cat threw up. Seriously. The image on the box is so deceiving, showing impeccably orange sweet potatoes, surrounded by crumbled goat cheese and perfect black beans, topped up with the perfect drizzle of salsa verde. Do not let this fool you. Because one the taco is cooked, the insides look more like something mashed up together and left out for the dog. Or…as stated before…a coughed up hairball. People eat first with their eyes, so it looked rather unappealing. I gave each taco a healthy dose of the salsa verde, which I had to cut the packet open as it is not one of those that gives you a corner to tear across. Good thing my office is equipped with such things in the kitchen. I was still going with it, however. Because I’ve eaten quite a few things that didn’t look all that appetizing, but in the end were phenomenal.
Tiny tacos were placed on two giant plates and I carried one over to where my roommate was working. I think she thought I was joking when I set it down in front of her. Eager to see how it tasted, I shrugged, apologized for the lack of size in the taco, and hurried to my own desk to tuck into my lunch.
It was…bland. Honetsly. If it wasn’t for the healthy squirt of salsa verde, I would venture to say that the Evol Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Goat Cheese Street Tacos would be nigh-on tasteless. Some things taste like a frozen dinner…and this is one of those things. The tiny corn tortillas began to fall apart. The filling was not appetizing to look at and not even seasoned. The salsa verde, thawed in a coffee cup full of hot water, was the best part of this entire dish. In fact, I ate my entire taco and then savored the little dinosaur puffs I brought as a side, instead of the other way around. I wasn’t impressed, and my roommate was less than impressed as well.
I get it…street vendors are big into tacos, and street tacos might be smaller than the average taco. But this was really not even close to being a filling and decent-sized meal. What a complete and utter disappointment. When the best part is the part I almost didn’t mess with…well…there is a problem. Never underestimate a good salsa verde with a nice kick of cilantro.
So, let’s take a look at the ingredients for Evol Foods Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Goat Cheese Street Tacos. These tacos are made from corn tortillas (white corn flour cooked in lime water, yellow corn flour cooked in lime water, water, and guar gum), sweet potatoes, organic black beans, goat cheese (pasteurized goat milk, salt, cheese cultures, vegetarian rennet, cellulose powder), roasted corn, salsa blend (jalapeños, green onion, cilantro, garlic), cheese sauce (whole milk, cheddar cheese [milk, cheese, cultures, salt enzymes], heavy cream, butter [cream, salt], water, potato flour, onions, rice starch, Parmesan cheese [part-skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes], sea salt spices), cilantro, jalapeños, salt, lime juice, cumin, and black pepper. The ingredients in the salsa verde are fire roasted tomatillo puree, jalapeños, cilantro, corn starch, lime juice, salt, onions and black pepper.
As for nutrition facts, the Evol Foods Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Goat Cheese Street Tacos have 1 serving per container, which holds 2 small tacos. This serving will provide you with 220 calories, 5 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 15 mg cholesterol, 160 mg sodium, 36 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, 5 grams sugars, and 8 grams of protein. These are gluten-free and vegetarian.
So, yeah, you can say that I feel betrayed and really let down by both the presentation and the flavor of the Evol Foods Gluten Free Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Goat Cheese Street Tacos. Thank goodness I decided to go ahead and thaw out the sauce packet or I would have been very, very disappointed. I hate to say I wouldn’t purchase these again, but I wouldn’t. I’m glad I tried them, but I just wasn’t impressed. What a let down from Evol Foods.
Evol Foods Gluten Free Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Goat Cheese Street Tacos (prepared)
Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread
Product: Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread – $5.99+
A little while ago, I was introduced to a couple of new breads on the market. While the brand name has been producing gluten-free breads for awhile now, it wasn’t a brand that I actively sought out. Yes, I saw it all the time in the freezer section of Whole Foods and other natural food stores, but I had grown accustomed to snagging Rudi’s or Udi’s or (now) the Aldi liveGfree brand or Canyon Bakehouse. Food For Life was there…I just always overlooked it.
And why?
Who knows? As an active (even now, with an injury) athlete, it’s important to properly fuel my body and eat wholesome foods. Most products on the market for the gluten-free diet happen to be junk food. It drives me nuts. I hit that gluten-free section of a store and I can find a vast array of cookies, crackers, chips, pretzels, and the like. It is one of the biggest pet peeves of the grocery store. Yes, a lot of people with Celiac and gluten intolerance do miss out on some of the finer treats like Oreos and the like, but the shelves are literally overrun with products that aren’t going to feed your body right and healthy.
But Food For Life set out to change that. Through a lot of research and development, Food For Life released the first ever gluten free breads made from sprouted grains, such as quinoa, millet and chia. A majority of gluten-free breads, while satisfying the “gluten free” bread requirement, don’t address the overall health needs of consumers. Without the gluten to give bread the soft, elasticity of regular breads, most manufacturers choose alternative ingredients that mimic the feel of gluten, using egg, milk, and refined starches in order to achieve a softer and chewier texture. But these breads are created from ingredients that you wouldn’t expect to find in natural breads, many of which are devoid of nutrients.
Food For Life stepped up and decided to start a line with four varieties of completely gluten-free breads that were specifically created with the health of consumers in mind. Not only are they gluten free, but they are also vegan and made from nutrition packed ingredients that have been sprouted to maximize nutrition and digestibility.
I was fortunate enough to be sent one loaf of each of the Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads from Food For Life. These loaves come in Original 3 Seed, Almond, Cinnamon Raisin, and Flax.
The hardest part, for me, was choosing where to begin. It had been a long and tiring week and I was looking for a nutritious, but filling dinner. And, as breakfast is one of my favorite meals of the day, I decided to hit up one of my favorite recipes and have breakfast for dinner. Hence, it was time to bust out a very British, and all-time favorite in my book, breakfast recipe – Mushrooms On Toast.
And I had the perfect vehicle for the toast portion in my kitchen freezer. I consulted with my roommate and we decided to start with the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread.
I thawed out four slices of the bread and then prepped them to toast in the oven while I prepared the rest of the meal. This involved sauteing up mushrooms, red onion, garlic, seasoning, and some of my homegrown fresh thyme. I made it creamier with rice milk. And then poached some eggs to top off the entire dish.
Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread turned out to be the perfect vehicle for Mushrooms On Toast. The bread is firmer, and stands up a bit more to toppings and the like. I was a bit worried when I thawed it out, as it seemed really dense and heavy, but that was ideal. That was, actually, a good thing in this case. The Flax variety of the Sprouted For Life line of gluten-free breads is amazing. It is dense and has this rich nutty flavor to it. The texture, if made into a sandwich might be a bit dry and heafty, but in a dish like this, where a sturdy bread is needed, it is ideal. In fact, this bread was almost like a sourdough, and that was where the magic was with this bread.
I loved the crunchy, sturdy nature of the bread when topped off with the creamy garlic and mushroom sauce. It held up to the runny middle of the poached egg and even a smattering of hot sauce. It was crispy, and delightful with each spoonful. Seriously, any other bread would have gotten damp and soggy, but this…this held up and stayed a piece of toast throughout the entire eating process.
Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread is rich in essential fatty acids and was developed specifically to help you perform at your best. With a great balance in the nutritional aspect, this bread is quite appealing. Made with sprouted chia, sprouted quinoa, and sprouted millet, this bread is a trio of health. And the flax is an added bonus for sure.
Let’s talk about ingredients. Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread is made from organic sprouted quinoa (red and/or white), filtered water, organic arrowroot, organic potato starch, organic sprouted millet, organic tapioca, organic sprouted flax, organic applesauce, fresh yeast, organic safflower oil, organic cactus, organic sprouted chia seeds, organic agave, organic vanilla, sea salt, vegetable gum (xanthan and cellulose), and organic psyllium. It is gluten-free, vegan, high in fiber, cholesterol free, and free of added sugars.
So, let’s talk nutrition. Since starting my nutrition course (oh…did I not mention that yet?), I have learned that there is more to counting calories. Sure, it is important, but it shouldn’t be the focus. It’s all about the nutritional aspects of the food. Avocados are high in fat and calories…but SO much better for you than that chocolate bar with the same amount of fat and calories. See what I mean? So, a serving of Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread is one slice of bread. This slice of bread will give you 110 calories and 2.5 grams of fat. This bread is free of saturated fat and trans fat (YAY!). The Flax Bread also will provide 115 mg sodium per slice, 0 mg cholesterol, 21 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 0 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein. I was freaked out at first with the high calories per slice, but, again, not all calories are created equal and there is nothing fake going into this bread. It’s all healthy, all good, all nutritious. Making this a fantastic choice.
I was so excited to receive the loaves of the Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Breads. And if they are all as amazing and delicious as the Flax variety, then I am in for a treat for sure. My hat is off to the nutritional value, the top-notch ingredients, and the amazing taste of the new Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Bread from Food For Life. My only complaint, as with most gluten-free breads out there, is the small size of the loaf. Aside from that…amazed. Happy to have been given the opportunity to really try it out. I am beyond impressed.
Garlic Mushrooms on Toast made with Food For Life Sprouted For Life Gluten Free Flax Brea
The Celiathlete 